Method and Apparatus for Apparel Customization

Abstract

A unique methodology for apparel mass-customization is provided. Tracers, precision garments designed for fitting at a store site, are provided. Tracers work in conjunction with a unique Clip and Alteration Point relationship. A database of customers' unique digital fit data is provided. Such data are used by a configured system to generate patterns reflecting a customer's personal size as well as level of comfort. [Virtual inventory is enabled by such stored data and are applied to electronic patterns with no shelf life.] The database allows customers to reorder additional pants in new styles and fabrics at any time. Automated patternmaking algorithms are used that dynamically adjust patterns to the data; core style patterns are adjusted to fabric specifications. A sophisticated manufacturing process provides separates and independent sub-processing, such as kitting, enabling cost-effective and rapid one-at-a-time apparel creation. An exemplary channel kiosk and channel kiosk with scanning are provided.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The invention relates generally to apparel. More particularly, the invention relates to a system and method for apparel mass-customization.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art“Nothing fits me. I'm just not in shape. I feel so wrong.”“I can't find pants that fit, in styles I like, at a price I can afford.”[0004]Common problems like these exist in the apparel industry and frustrate customers as well as merchants. For example:[0005]Fit: Pants don't fit because bodies come in many shapes, i.e. not the seven standard women's sizes typically found in most stores. Most apparel designers' sizing blocks have been built on models in their twenties, resulting in apparel that is ill-fitting on less than “perfect” bodies that has increasingly poorer fit as bodies change with aging.[0006]Style: The current designer-driven model of apparel churns out cookie cutter styles that appeal to the few.[0007]Stock: Stores run out of stock in sizes a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0033]A unique approach to apparel mass-customization based on an alteration methodology is provided. Alteration methodology eliminates the tape measurements step. Tracers, unique fitting garments that are precision garments designed for fitting at a store site are provided, working in conjunction with a unique Clip and Alteration Point relationship. A methodology and a database of customers' unique digital fit data are provided where the data is used by a configured system to create patterns and ultimately the garments in a customer's personal size and level of comfort. Such data, referred to as Alter.dots are applied to electronic patterns which exist as virtual inventory with no shelf life. The customer database allows customers to reorder additional pants in new styles, new fabrics at any time. Automated patternmaking algorithms are used that dynamically adjust patterns to Alter.dot data; fabric coefficients are used that adjust core style patterns to fabric specifications. A sophisticated manufacturing process is provided that separates sub-processes into independent processes, such as kitting, that enables cost-effective and rapid one-at-a-time apparel creation. An exemplary channel kiosk and channel kiosk with scanning are provided.

Problems solved by technology

I'm just not in shape.

“I can't find pants that fit, in styles I like, at a price I can afford.”

Common problems like these exist in the apparel industry and frustrate customers as well as merchants.

Most apparel designers' sizing blocks have been built on models in their twenties, resulting in apparel that is ill-fitting on less than “perfect” bodies that has increasingly poorer fit as bodies change with aging.

Reorder: If a customer finds a style he or she likes that fits, he or she can't easily get it again because stores only keep basic apparel in stock from season to season, whereas fashion styles are constantly replaced by new ones.

Another common problem in the apparel industry is that retailers walk sales, further depicted as follows:The retailer's “if-only” problem:“I'd buy this if only it came in a different color .

Such are common problems of today.

But: This increases the inventory investment and floor space necessary to be in stock.

But: Over 95% of fashion apparel is purchased in stores, not online and self-reported measurements are not accurate.

Custom Ateliers: Retail custom clothing studios provide expensive, tailored clothes.

But: This is not an affordable solution for most customers

It is evident that such solutions aren't satisfying customers or improving profitability for retailers.

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